Tensioning device for fabric covers



June 14, 1966 L. EDELSON ETAL 3,256,038

TENSIONING DEVICE FOR FABRIC COVERS Filed Sept. 15, 1964 INVENTOR5 Le o Ede/son damp Maca BY 7 Arihur 14. Marc];

ATTORNEY 3 256 038 TENSIONING nnvrcn hon FABRIC COVERS Leo Edelson, 1015 Old Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck,

N.Y., and Joseph Maca, 81 Frankel Road, Massapequa, N.Y.

Filed Sept. 15, 1964, Ser. No. 396,665 1 Claim. (Cl. 297-226) This invention relates to a tensioning device for fabric coversand more specifically to a device for maintaining fabric covers in position under constant tension to prevent unsightly wrinkles and bulges and to inhibit movement of the cover.

Heretofore, attempts have been made to provide means furniture and the like which maintains the cover in a wrinkle-free, neat and attractive position at ,all times under substantially all circumstances.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a fabric cover tensioning device which is so constructed as to maintain the cover under constant tension.

It is a further objectof the present invention to provide a balanced system fabric cover tensioning device wherein forces applied to any area of the fabric cover will be distributed around the entire tensioning device.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a fabric cover tensioning device which may be readily and easily applied and removed from the cover itself with the consequent benefits.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a fabric cover tensioning device which is concealed from view.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a fabric cover tensioning device which is very economical to fabricate and assemble and-may be used in connection with existing fabric covers as well as those of new manufacture.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a cut-away portion of the tensioning device of the present invention shown in position on the fabric cover on the underside of a chair;

FIG. 2 is a view of a portion of one of the rigid members in position in the pocket of the fabric cover;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tensioning device in position; and

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the interconnecting resilient and rigid members of the tensioning device.

Referring specifically to the drawings, it will be noted that the tensioning device of the present invention comprises a plurality of substantially rigid members 10 i1- lustrated in the form of elongate bars. It will be understood, of course, that these members may be made in the configuration shown, or in any other suitable shape, as for example, in tubular or other form. The bars, or slats 10, are provided with .a plurality of holes 11 located at predetermined positions. A resilient member 12 shown in the form of a coil spring provided with a hook portion 12a is adapted to engage the openings 11 in the slats 10 for the purposes hereinafter set forth.

As illustrated, the tensioning device is used in connection with a chair 13 having legs 14 and more particularly with the fabric in slip cover 15 over said chair. The fabric cover 15 has a free hanging lower edge therearound which is provided with a pocket structure 16 adapted to Patented June 14, 1966 accommodate the slats 10. It will be understood that while the fabric cover shown as preformed pockets, it is possible to form the pockets at the time of aflixation, of the tensioning device by simply wrapping and aflixing the free edge of the cover around the slat 10.

As shown, the slats 10 are disposed within the pockets 16. Each of the springs 12 is so constructed that its hook-like portion 12a passesthrough the fabric of the pocket 16 and engages in the openings 11 in the slats within said pockets. In the illustrated embodiment, each end of the spring 12 is hooked into the hole immediately adjacent the end of each slat 10. In accordance with the invention, the tension on the fabric cover will be constant no matter what pressures are exerted on various areas of the fabric cover for the pressures are distributed around the complete tensioning device and not on any individual slat or spring. In the event additional tension is desired, as for example, with a new fabric cover before shrinkagfe, it is only necessary to afiix the spring to openings 11 more remote from the ends of the slats 10, as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 1. Larger distances between the holes 11, engaged by the springs 12, cause greatertension to be expected, on the fabric cover.

It willbe understood that while thesprings 12 pass through the pocket 16 of the fabric cover, there will be no tearing action, for the springs engage the slats 11 and v the pull of the spring is on the slat rather than the cover.

The spring shown is only for illustrative purposes and other formations of resilient members may be utilized, as for example, swivel springs or the like.

The arrangement of the present invention is such that, the tensioning device is carried completely below the furniture and is therefore hidden from normal View.

According to the present invention, the fabrication of the slats is very simple for, one long bar may be produced with the desired standard apertures and then cut to the desired lengths.

The foregoing specification is illustrative of the invention and in no way intended to limit the scope thereof. Modifications and variations 'rnay be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth in the appended claim.

We claim:

A cover for an article of furniture and tensioning means for the cover to hold it in place on an article of furniture, said cover being adapted to fit over an article of furniture having a front, back, opposing sides and a bottom, said cover having side sections adapted to overlie the front, back and sides of an article of furniture and said side sections having substantially right a'ngularly related lower end portions defining flaps adapted to be folded under the bottom of an article of furniture, a pocket provided in each of said flaps and extending the full length thereof,

said tensioning means including a plurality of individual rigid members sleeved in said pockets, each of said members fitting into one of said pockets, respectively and having a length substantially as great as the length of its respective pocket, said members being arranged in substantially right angular relationship and having adjoining end portions, each end portion being formed with a plurality of apertures spaced along the axis of the member, and a plurality of resilient tensioning members, each tensioning member having opposing hook ends engageable inone of the apertures in the adjoining end portions of the rigid members and being disposed diagonally of the adjoining end portions to connect said end portions and exert diagonal force to draw the end portions toward each other whereby adjustable tension may be exerted on the rigid (References. 011 following page) References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Krasnor 297--224 Saltz 297226 Van Doren 297-218 Weill 297-218 4 2,727,253 12/ 1955 Tomsic 5335 2,791,784 5/1957 Tomsic 5-354 FOREIGN PATENTS 895,550 5/ 1962 Great Britain.

FRANK B. SHERRY, Primary Examiner. F. K. ZUGEL, Assistant Examiner. 

